First, thanks for stopping by and second thanks for taking the time to leave a reply. I applaud every mother that makes a special effort to breast feed their babies. I will always acknowledge that not all mothers can breast feed.

To me, breast milk is the premium milk, anything else is second best.

Do call back again.

I think you have done a great job writing on a topic that often causes debate - even though I can't truly understand what there is to debate.

Breast milk is better than infant formula. It has been proven again and again by many different people. I struggle to understand how anyone can think that infant formula is 'as good' yet I hear that comment over and over.

I do believe everyone has the right to choose how they feed their baby and be supported in that choice. I also know that breastfeeding is not easy, that poor advice and little support often lead to a mother feeling like she is 'unable' to breastfeed for many reasons. I am also glad that formula is available as a reasonable alternative. But bottom line.. if for whatever reason you choose to use formula you still need to make that choice with the understanding that breast milk is better for your child.

I don't feel like this article is 'putting down' those who choose formula over breastfeeding. I feel it is trying to address the misnomer that is still out there - that formula is 'as good' for babies as breast milk, and why in this day and age, with all the evidence both scientific and anecdotal, a large number of people still subscribe to this way of thinking

For the record I breastfed my very prem twins for more than two years with many major issues along the way. We chose to use formula to 'top them up' at various stages because of various problems but made every effort to keep breastfeeding for their benefit, my benefit and our family as a whole. I am now 7 months into breastfeeding my youngest and am grateful that this time has been easier.

Breastfeeding is best. There is no contest. But thank god for formula when you really need it! Can you imagine the stress of a pioneer woman if her milk didnt come in or whatever...im sure babies died.

Breastfeeding has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life...and I know I am blessed. Grant is 19 months old now...and weaning is not in sight as of now.

Thanks for the post. Great teaser title. I was hoping you were going the breast direction...but wasnt sure:).

Ginny, I definitely wasn't trying to put down anyone for choosing to formula feed their children. If that were the case, I'd be putting down my own mother. I tried to use kind of neutral language, saying, "maybe" and "interesting" so that I wouldn't be offensive. Sorry if it came across wrong.

Mostly my point is that breastfeeding is best, and I don't know why people would choose not to. I've heard from some mothers that sleeping for long stretches of time is one reason they went that route, and also that it's more convenient for them.

I also wonder, but I definitely don't know, if more money=better quality to some mothers. Formula feeding has certainly been a status symbol in the past in our country, and in some others, so it got me thinking (not accusing).

While I don't understand why someone would choose to formula feed, I don't think it's wrong or horrible. I don't think it's the best thing, but it's not the end of the world. Great mothers feed their kids, love their kids, and provide for their kids as best they can. No one is perfect (I say that from experience), and no one way makes any mother better than another. Feeding a child is just one part of mothering, and certainly isn't the measuring stick for good mothering.

Again, sorry if you felt I was putting down any good mothers. That wasn't my intent.

I breastfed both of my babies. It just seemed so much easier than messing with formula, not to mention better for them. They had no problems sleeping, either. My daughter started sleeping through the night at 9 weeks, and my son at 5 weeks. They were definitely getting plenty.

I'm really not sure what reasons would make a mom give up the positive benefits of breastfeeding, to both their babies and to themselves, and use formula. I've never heard any that would have convinced me to do so.

I think of the issues is that it is a personal choice - however I think the personal choice should be for the right reasons. Some new mothers seem to feel that formula is quicker and easier. Quicker it isn't, easier, sometimes yes. We feed all of ours breast for as long as possible then moved to formula - ours certainly did sleep better when on formula. The real issue is whether or not breast feeding is promoted and supported enough. We still hear stories of mothers being asked to leave cafes and restaurants - one mother was asked to leave a bus because the driver was offended. Rather than being critical of mothers for their choice - we should support ALL mothers.

I fed both my babies formula & it had nothing to do with the cost = better quality. I also don't buy premium coffee & I stopped buying named brands when I had kids. That is fine that you choose breastfeeding, but I don't think it is right to put down moms that do not. I highly doubt there is a single mom out there that thought, oh because formula costs more I will do that option, give me a break. If the companies start raising prices on breastfeeding, you would be hurting your cause, not helping it.

Oh my babies never slept longer on formula & I have never heard anyone use that for the reason.

That is great that you chose to breastfeed. I have never once regretted my personal decision to formula feed either.